We’re the Millers might be a stoner comedy at its core, but where it rises above the average stoner flick is how it manages to be a comedy movie for more generations than one.
This is helped by themes of family values and a colorful cast serving up enjoyable on-screen chemistry.
There’s ultimately something for everyone in the 110-minute, 2013-released We’re the Millers, directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber – the man behind the cult classic Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.
Here Thurber delivers laugh-out-loud entertainment that’s as memorable as his first directing effort, with much thanks to a screenplay that’s original and heaps of fun for both teens and parents alike.
A Likable Colorful Cast
It’s through the main cast of Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter that Thurber’s vision comes to life.
As a pretend family tasked with smuggling drugs across the Mexican border, the plot setup provides pages of comedy potential and it’s this well-acted group of characters that delivers it from start to finish.
Put together a pot dealer, stripper, runaway teen, and socially awkward nerd and you already have a bizarre pool of characters with storytelling opportunities that write themselves.
We’re the Millers forces these characters to act as a real-life family without preparation, and that’s where the comedy turns itself up to eleven.
Both Will Poulter (Kenny) and Emma Roberts (Casey) shine in their teenage roles here, providing nuance to their lines and on-screen mannerisms that’s hard to imagine others replicating.
Another worthy mention goes to Nick Offerman as DEA agent Don Fitzgerald, who never misses a beat when it comes to comedic delivery.
Not Your Average Stoner Movie
We’re the Millers is not your average stoner film – it has to be said.
It might have a plot driven by drug smuggling and all its complications, but it’s the “family vacation”-style story and, as a result, themes of family values that set this comedy movie apart.
All in all, We’re the Millers unravels as a family adventure.
This is where it relates to more generations than one, providing both nostalgic and upbeat undertones that make this movie perfect as a sit-down summer flick for parents and teens alike.
As a result, the marijuana being smuggled simply serves as a MacGuffin.
There is little to no on-screen drug use in We’re the Millers, as it’s the mismatched main characters and complications faced that serve up the hearty laughs this movie has in abundance.
Goofy Comedy That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
Part of what makes the script so well-written is the goofy, stoner-style comedy that makes We’re the Millers hilarious without trying too hard.
It’s here that the movie does well to entertain and humors different crowds, from teens to parents and everyone in between.
There’s humor for everyone in We’re the Millers, so it’s fair to say that most people watching it will manage at least a chuckle or two across the 110-minute runtime – if not several stomach-aching bouts of laughter.
What We’re the Millers also brings to the table is a bucketload of memorable one-liners – the kind that’ll be recited for years to come.
This is a nod to both the great script and clever line delivery of the cast, which are well put together in this case – something that most comedy movies depend on to work.
Although Diluted, We’re The Millers Does Deliver A Message
Perhaps the main message We’re the Millers directly or indirectly delivers is that despite differences, families—or groups of strangers—can come together to accomplish a goal, and even find out that those differences are what makes things work in the end.
This is particularly evident in characters David (Jason Sudeikis) and Rose/Sarah (Jennifer Aniston) as well as Kenny (Will Poulter) and Casey (Emma Roberts), who gradually learn to appreciate and enjoy one another as they pull through the story’s various obstacles.
The character dynamics are also strong between David and Casey as well as Rose/Sarah and Kenny, whose stark differences provide coming-of-age themes and struggles that both parents and younger generations can relate to.
Ultimately, We’re the Millers is a family movie despite its drug references and drug-driven setup.
Themes of family togetherness, coming of age struggles, and surprise love are all at play here, making We’re the Millers a strong comedy with universal messages to take away.
Final Verdict
The mostly original plot, colorful cast, and on-screen chemistry are all factors that make We’re the Millers a comedy that’s worth sitting down to watch.
Both younger and older generations can enjoy this one thanks to relatable themes, hilariously awkward situations, and goofy one-liners that give this movie long-lasting appeal.
Overall, We’re the Millers might present itself as a stoner movie—at least during its initial setup—but it’s a road trip movie at its core with family values delivered front and center.
For Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story fans, Judd Apatow fans, or fans of any of the cast, this one’s well worth dedicating an evening to.
If you liked this article, you might enjoy our post on ‘BlacKkKlansman Movie Review‘.
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